Svartnad was founded by Tobias "Nightbringer" Lindberg and Karl "Sire Nahvas" Hoverman in April 2008.

The first song, named "Save Me" was written and recorded by Karl about 2 weeks later.

In December 2008, Karl left the band.

Tobias recruits Alexander Larsson of Forlorn Remembrance on guitar and the project continues.

The idéa with Svartnad from the beginning was only to create depressive, atmospheric black metal, a lot like the Swedish pioneers Silencer. But after Karl's departure from the band, Svartnad went off in a totally different direction, straying away from the bleak depressive black metal-sound in favor of a more atmospheric approach; incorporating clean vocals, acoustic guitars, string instruments and ambient-parts.